Solo but Mighty: A Day in the Life of a Sole Stew

Success in this role hinges on two things: working smart and having a solid, supportive crew, especially your captain. Here’s what a typical day looks like when you’re flying solo on the interior.

Morning

The day starts early. Before you even sit down for breakfast, you’ve already got a load of laundry on. Then it’s straight into setting the tone for the day:

Fire up the coffee machine, squeeze fresh juice, and prepare the breakfast table.
Put out sunscreen baskets and newspapers, and check the condition of the fruit bowls and flowers.
While the guests are still snoozing, take the opportunity to dust and vacuum the salon.
Restock fridges if there’s time.

As guests start to rise one by one, you’ll switch to service mode:

Serve coffee and juice as each guest appears.
Prioritise tidying the cabins; beds first, then showers.
Be ready to drop whatever you’re doing (quietly and discreetly) to attend to guests at the table.
Serve breakfast, using any gaps to continue cabin turnover or switch laundry loads.

Once breakfast wraps up and the guests head ashore, it’s back to business:

Finish cabins, return clean laundry, vacuum again if needed, and check the fridges.
Ask the guest(s) to choose wines for lunch and dinner, then prep and chill accordingly.

Afternoon

Lunch service is next up:

Set, serve, and clear the table.
After a quick round of post-lunch tidying and returning any laundry, it’s time for your well-earned break.
Be sure to inform guests who’ll be on hand during your break.

Upon return, check in with the guests. If they’re relaxing:

Use the time to tidy the yacht, restock, or run another laundry load.
Ironing usually fits nicely into this window.

Evening

Evenings are where the role shines:

Set the dinner table and prepare canapés.
Begin turndown service in guest cabins.
Serve dinner and handle the full clear-down.
Finish turndown and return any last bits of laundry.

Before you call it a night:

Prep your breakfast tray for the next morning.
Take out the bins.
Depending on the captain, you might be relieved by another crew member for late service, or be expected to stay up until the guests turn in. Either way, the goal is seamless, top-tier service.

Finally - bed!

Delegation: Your Secret Weapon

To thrive in this role, delegation isn’t just helpful: it’s essential. Building strong working relationships with your crew makes a world of difference. Here are a few simple, effective ways to lighten your load:

Ask the deckhand to place the sunscreen baskets during morning wash-down.
Have the chef collect newspapers or magazines when they go ashore.
Use radios for the crew to notify you if guests are moving about while you’re in the cabins.
Delegate crew mess duties during charter.
Have someone cover guest needs during your afternoon break.

Make things easy for them: set up tea trays, teach them how to make a few simple cocktails or coffees, and be generous with your support in return. As they grow in confidence, you’ll be able to truly switch off when needed.

Final Thoughts: Thriving as a Sole Stew

There’s no shame in asking for help if you’re feeling stretched. Your captain would rather you speak up than see guest satisfaction slip. That said, avoid over-delegating and be mindful that every crew member has their full plate. Striking that balance will come with time and practice.

And remember: you’re not alone. Connect with other sole stews, share stories, and learn how they manage this dynamic, fast-paced, and deeply rewarding role. When done right, it’s one of the most empowering positions onboard.